Quaint village named 'most beautiful' with cobbled streets and picturesque views

A quaint village in the southwest has been named one of the region's "most beautiful" due to its cobblestone streets, romantic sights, and slew of activities on offer.

Shaftesbury in Dorset was awarded the honour by South Western Railway, which pointed out the incredible views, nearby vineyard, and three churches.

Shaftesbury's claim to fame is being the shooting location of the iconic 1973 Hovis advert, which had been voted Britain's favourite TV ad.

The clip shows a baker boy heading up the steep, cobblestone Gold Hill, which is now "a tourist draw in its own right".

One visitor said the street was "picture-perfect and iconic", adding you do not need to climb up to it or down as the best views are from the top, which is "easily accessed from the high street".

Another wrote: "The view looking down from the top, besides looking like it appears on the cover of books, in films, on calendars and boxes, etc, gives a view not only of the street down the hill, but the beautiful Dorset countryside beyond."

At the top of the hill, which offers picturesque views, is the Gold Hill Museum, which consists of eight galleries telling the story of rural and town life. Visitors can see the Byzant, carried during annual celebrations of the securing of the water supply, and Dorset's oldest fire engine. There are also lacework and costumes on displace, handmade Dorset buttons, and a mummified Dorset cat.

Another of the top attractions for visitors is the Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden - a Grade I listed site where you can explore the foundations of the Abbey Church, view relics, and walk around the walled garden.

One visitor said of the Abbey: "We spent a lovely sunny afternoon walking around the beautiful abbey ruins, it was very interesting and the staff are so informative, enthusiastic and helpful."

Another wrote on TripAdvisor: "The ruined remains of a Benedictine abbey founded by King Alfred that still retains some of its atmosphere, with stunning, well-kept gardens. It's worth taking the time to visit. The guides and volunteers were also very helpful and knowledgeable and helped bring it to life."

The nearby Breezy Ridge Vineyard and Restaurant is run by a husband and wife duo who offer an "immersive experience for the senses through both food and drink". You can head here for wine tasting, afternoon tea, and "posh picnics". There is also the Melbury Vale Vineyard which is not open to passing trade but offers private tours and tastings.

Visitors in Shaftesbury can enjoy a stroll along Park Walk to admire the views, and pop into the old-fashioned shops and markets. The markets take place on Thursday and Saturdays and offer a range of fresh and local food from the producers and growers.